Category Archives: Local News

Local health department bringing awareness to lead poisoning

Local health department bringing awareness to lead poisoning

By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – Following recent news of possible lead contamination in cinnamon products, the McLean County Health Department is giving parents tips about preventing lead poisoning in children. Lead is a natural metal found in the ground that should not be consumed. It can show up in imported products like spices, jewelry and…MORE

Deadly Eureka fire displaces multiple families

Deadly Eureka fire displaces multiple families

By WMBD-TV EUREKA – One person is dead and multiple families are displaced after a Friday night fire in Eureka. The Woodford County Coroner’s office has identified the victim as 58-year old Jennifer Adams. Adams was pronounced dead at the scene and died from injuries she sustained in the fire, according to a news release.…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…